Taxi and Limousine Licenses
In order to operate as a taxi business, you first need to obtain a PHV Operator’s Licence from your Local Authority if you want to run a business as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Operator. You will also need the driver & vehicle licences if you are working as a one-person operator.
PHV Operator Licences last for a maximum of 5 years, driver licences for up to 3 years, and vehicle licences for up to one year.
The driver, vehicle and operator must all be licensed by the same Authority.
Penalties if your Licence is Refused
Your PHV Licence can be refused if the Authority is not satisfied that you meet its criteria of a “fit and proper person”, or if you do not accept the conditions it sets.
You can appeal to a Magistrates’ Court if:
- Your application has been refused; or
- The Licensing Authority has suspended, taken away or refused to renew your licence.
Rothera Bray Road Transport Solicitors can work closely with you to ensure that you have the correct licences in place and help with any appeal if your licence is compromised and penalties are imposed by your Local Authority. Our dedicated Transport Law Team regularly acts for those that operate taxi companies across the UK.
Limousines
Limousines must be run by a Licensed Operator unless they are being hired out without a driver.
For small limousines, those with fewer than 9 passenger seats, you will need a PHV Operator’s Licence. This is different inside London and outside London and Rothera Bray can help you accordingly to ensure that you have the correct licensing in place.
For large limousines, those with 9 or more passenger seats, you will need to obtain a Public Sector Vehicle (PSV) Operator’s Licence.
Most large limousines also come in scope of the EU Drivers’ Hours Rules because of the way that they are operated. When this is the case, the vehicle will also require a tachograph.
Penalties for not having the Correct Licence
Limousines can be destroyed or confiscated if they are not correctly licensed or your vehicles are not properly insured. For other offences you can be prosecuted and fined.
Further Information – Taxi & Limousine Licences
If you require further information on how to apply for a taxi or limousine licence, or if you have received penalties associated with incorrect licences or require help with driver licensing, please contact our Road Transport Law Team. Call today on 03456 465 465 or email transportlaw@rotherabray.co.uk.
Send us a message
“Our experienced and specialist team represent clients nationally on a day-to-day basis”
Anton Balkitis
Head of Transport Law
stars
Posted 3 November 2025
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for all your help and kindness over the past year sorting out my consent order. You have made life so much easier for both myself and my parents.
Mrs C
stars
Posted 3 November 2025
Following a poor experience with another solicitor, Ellie Robinson completely turned around our expectations of the conveyancing process. The process was quick and efficient, largely down to her communications which were clear, concise and timely. If we ever had any questions she was happy to explain things and made sure to get back to us as quickly as possible. She is clearly a great asset to the company.
Mike Smith
stars
Posted 2 November 2025
We had a fantastic experience with Ellie for our conveyancing. She was professional, efficient, and kept us updated every step of the way. The whole process went smoothly and was stress-free, thanks to her clear communication and attention to detail. We’d highly recommend Ellie to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable conveyancer who communicates well.
Melissa G
stars
Posted 2 November 2025
I emailed a number of solicitors around Nottingham about taking on my divorce case. Most didn't reply. Emma Adcock contacted me by phone, that same day, for an initial chat. I was having a really awful, stressful time, but after speaking with Emma, I felt confident that she would guide me through the process. She's vey approachable, and I felt I could contact her with all manner of queries
Alison
stars
Posted 30 October 2025
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your excellent work in handling the sale of our property. Your professionalism, efficiency, and clear communication made what could have been a complex process smooth and stress-free. From the initial stages through to completion, your attention to detail and timely updates gave us great confidence that everything was being managed with care and expertise. We are truly grateful for your dedication and for the courteous manner in which you addressed all our questions and concerns along the way. It has been a real pleasure working with you, and we would not hesitate to recommend your services to others in need of a reliable and knowledgeable solicitor.
Kishore Makadia
stars
Posted 30 October 2025
The experience with Rothera Bray at the Beeston Office has been excellent. The Conveyancing team, Emily Weston, Grace Millward, Samantha Buckle and Laura Runcak have all been extremely efficient, diligent and consciousness in a friendly personal manner. They completed the whole transaction process, within the time scale I had requested/hoped for in the outset. I would recommend Rothera Bray's Conveyancing Department for their Professionalism.
Beeston Client
stars
Posted 30 October 2025
TOP TEAM recommendation, Emily Weston solicitor at Rothera Bray, the Quadrant Beeston and Laura Runcak were all we could have dreamed of, to steer us through the challenges of moving house after 31 years in Beeston. Nothing was ever too much trouble and when other solicitors in the chain were jumping up and down, Emily’s calm persona ensured our mental health did not take a nose dive and the transaction stayed on track! Thank you both.
Paul Beedell
stars
Posted 29 October 2025
Excellent service provided. Would recommend to friends and family. Nelissa was especially helpful.
Laura Taylor
stars
Posted 28 October 2025
Rothera Bray were meticulous in ensuring that the vendor of the house I purchased had all the correct documentation of ownership so that this could be transferred to me. This meticulousness was evident in all their work and led to the successful outcome both of the purchase of my new home and the sale of my old house.
Residential property sale & purchase
stars
Posted 28 October 2025
We have used Julekha and team twice now, buying and selling, and they are fantastic. Highly recommend their services.
Maria Bagnall
stars
Posted 27 October 2025
Huge thanks to George Cokkinos at Rothera Bray who handled my settlement agreement. The whole process was smooth, efficient and stress free.
Leon Hall
stars
Posted 27 October 2025
I first met Rebecca early December of 2024. First impressions of Rebecca was what a lovely, warm person that Rebecca is. My first meeting with Rebecca was around 20-25 minutes but on leaving that meeting I had the upmost faith in Rebecca. Rebecca supported me for approximately 10 months from our initial meeting and Rebecca was amazing. If it wasn't for Rebecca I wouldn't have got anywhere with the issue that I had.
Gary Barr
Natalie Abbott
Partner & Head of Employment
Natalie works in our Nottingham office. She is a Partner and Employment Law specialist with over 10 years’ experience representing both businesses and individuals across a range of employment services including settlement agreements, discrimination, dismissals and redundancy.
Anton Balkitis
Partner & Head of Transport
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors.
Olivia Maginn
Barrister & Senior Associate
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Georgina Power
Associate Solicitor
Georgina Power is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Transport team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Chelsey Sewell
Managing Paralegal
Chelsey Sewell is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s transport and motorist offence department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office in the city centre.
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez
Paralegal
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Transport and Motorist Offence department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Final written warnings: when are they justified?
A final written warning is more than a slap on the wrist; it’s often the last step before dismissal. But skipping steps in the disciplinary process can expose employers to legal risk. For employees, receiving one can feel like the ground is shifting. So, when is it fair and legal to issue a final written warning?
Survivors quit grooming gangs inquiry over ‘cover-up’ fears
The UK government’s national grooming gangs inquiry, set up by Keir Starmer in June, has hit a major snag. Several survivors of abuse have quit the process, saying it feels like their voices are being ignored. Seetal Patel, Rothera Bray’s Abuse Claims specialist, comments on the latest events.
People Focus – Conveyancing – Abbey Freeman
Abbey Freeman is an Associate Solicitor in our Conveyancing team and is based at our Loughborough branch.
Routes to qualification: from law graduate to solicitor via the SQE
The legal profession is evolving, and so are the routes to qualification. With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), aspiring solicitors now have more flexible, inclusive, and practical pathways to enter the profession.